FIREFIGHTERS were last night tackling a second suspected arson attack in less than 24 hours at a derelict sports hall.

The hall at Mannion Park, South Bank, has become a target for vandals, who are putting lives at risk across Teesside.

The claim was made by fire watch manager Trevor Moody, who co-ordinated the firefighting operation.

Fire engines from Redcar, Grangetown, Coulby New-ham and Thornaby were called to the scene in The Broadway on Monday night.

Mr Moody, who is based at Grangetown fire station, said: "Although the place is derelict, we still have to put the fire out. But while we were there we had reduced fire cover in the immediate area.

"We had appliances from four stations tied up for five hours - resources that could be needed elsewhere.''

He said of the arsonists: "They think it is fun, but basically they are putting lives in danger, not only ours but the general public."

Crews from Grangetown and Redcar were back at the building last night, only hours after appliances had finished dampening down hot spots from Monday evening's blaze. The fires are the latest in a series of incidents at the site.

Mr Moody said: "We had a serious fire there a few weeks ago. It was the other end of the building this time and the roof space was well alight.''

With 90 per cent of all fires on Teesside started deliberately, Cleveland Fire Brigade's area is top of the UK league for arson attacks - despite pioneering initiatives launched by the brigade to reduce the figure.